03 MARCH 2015

SecondsOut Team Picks: Mayweather Jr vs Alvarez/Garcia Vs Matthysse

This week’s big fight predictions from SecondsOut’s army of writers is the world light middleweight showdown between pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr and WBC champ Saul Alvarez, and the light welterweight clash between Danny Garcia and Argentine puncher Lucas Matthysse from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday.

See below who our army of correspondents think will be victorious

Floyd Mayweather is not the pound for pound king for nothing. Not only is he the most talented all round boxer on the planet but he is also an astute business man as well. He is wise enough to know that at 36 he is in his physical prime so its best to face the younger, stronger ‘Canelo’ now rather than 18 months time. Alvarez is an incredible talent and I’d bet on him beating any other 154lbs in the world right now but Mayweather’s speed, lateral movement and mobility will prove too much for him on this occasion.

Mayweather pts 12

Clive Bernath

Editor In Chief

Garcia vs Matthysse is a tough one to call. Many fans think Matthysse will be too strong for the cocky champion and that may be true if Garcia meets him head on but I have a feeling Garcia will approach this fight differently and box more. If Garcia can box on the outside and stay away from the big bombs he can out-point Matthysse. But don’t think Garcia can avoid the bombs all night and sooner or later, around the eighth round Matthysse will land the big punch and end the fight despite being a few rounds down on the judges scorecards.

At 36 years old, the question remains, when will Floyd Mayweather finally bite off more than he can chew? At just 23, Canelo is no raw novice being a veteran of over 40 fights, and his impressive display last time out against Austin Trout where he displayed good head movement and boxing skills, coupled to his natural size advantage and power, has lead some people to suggest that Floyd’s 44 fight winning streak will come to an end on Saturday night. However as Floyd has said in the past, "Size don’t win fights, Skills do" and I haven’t seen anything in Floyd’s makeup that suggests he won’t slip, evade and neutralise anything that Canelo can muster on the night. He may encounter some rough patches if Canelo can pin him on the ropes for several seconds but I can see Floyd using the body jab and lead right to pile up the points on the way to a lopsided points victory.

Mayweather pts 12

Danny Winterbottom

Manchester

England

There is a tendency to fall in love with a power punchers KO streak and Lucas Matthysse fits that bill perfectly. His destruction of Lamont Petersen was as chilling as it was impressive but Devon Alexander and Zab Judah have both got the job done against the Argentine before he destroyed Mike Dallas Jnr and Peterson. And lets not forget Garcia can punch too. Lucas only knows one way to fight and he will be throwing bombs from the off as he stalks Garcia around the ring but his tendency to be open and wild with his shots could leave an opening for Garcia to exploit as he walks in. This has all the ingrediants to be an explosive shootout, and provided his own chin holds up, I can see Matthysse scoring a brutal knockout before half way.

Many people are on the Mayweather is unbeatable trip and love his flash and All Access partying with his crew.I once remember the late Gil Clancy say "there is always a day when a fighter walks up the stairs and doesn’t have it." I believe if here is a time for Mayweather to lose this is the time, he has fought the last few years flat footed and fighting more. Cotto fought good early against Mayweather using quick jabs and body shots not staying in front of Mayweather, but Cotto had seen his better days and in the end Mayweather outlasted him. Canelo is faster then people think stronger and hits harder than Mayweather. I see him putting aggressive pressure on Mayweather and fighting smart. If he can keep his composure and not throw meaningless punches against the famous Mayweather defense he should be able to steal the rounds. Mayweather will try to counter Canelo as he has done in the past but I see it being the one night that the fighter, the better man loses by not taking the fight serious. Canelo by decision setting up rematch Cinco de Mayo weekend!

The closer we get to the opening bell the more people seem to be giving Alvarez a real shot. He’s handled all the pre-fight buildup admirably and with a stoicism that belies his years. I think that calm attitude will serve him well in moments of distress during the fight. Still, Mayweather is Mayweather and as good as Canelo has become I just don’t see him in Floyd’s class at this point in his career. I see Alvarez making it interesting early, with a stiff jab and he will try to find a home for his right uppercut when he gets close - and Floyd will make him pay. I think Alvarez will hang tough but once Mayweather figures him out he will go on to win a decision. But it should be a fast, entertaining fight until that point where the light bulb goes on over Floyd’s head and he takes over.

Mayweather w pts 12

Matthew Hurley

Quincy

Massachusetts

USA

This is the fight that could, and will be, the fight of the night. It’s almost impossible to see this one going the distance. I think Matthysse is the better overall fighter but in terms of firepower I think they’re on even terms which means whoever gets to land the bomb first will win. I think this could actually get sloppy, but exciting nonetheless. Matthysse will find the opening though and knockout Garcia in the fifth, if he doesn’t get caught first.

The much anticipated fight of the year between Floyd Mayweather and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez comes to a head this Saturday in Las Vegas. With a record unblemished, Mayweather faces perhaps one of the toughest fights of his career in Alvarez. Make one thing clear, both fighters win as far as being financially compensated. Now the particulars, Mayweather simply said, is a master in the ring. Probably no fighter in the history of boxing has mastered having punches roll off as he has. In what surely has to be the twilight of his career, Mayweather has managed to somehow keep much of his speed and power. He is a very smart and patient fighter, he may not be the strongest, or even have the speed he once had, but he does have ring wisdom. Look for Mayweather to use all his skill when faces Canelo, true the two have never faced each other in the ring, but Mayweather can figure a fighter out quickly and sustain little damage in the process. Canelo, a fighter built with extreme power, has proven he can fight with the best. He will need every weapon he owns to win this fight in the desert of Las Vegas. For him to be effective against Mayweather, Canelo must battle Mayweather at close range, attacking the body in hopes of creating an opening. The Mexican favorite must also be the more busy fighter, his style of throwing punches in spurts will not work in his favor, nor in the eyes of the judges. For Canelo, he must bring this fight to the center of the ring, keeping Mayweather off the ropes. So, who wins? Like I said earlier, both do financially, but as far as the fight, Mayweather will pull off yet another win. The experience and style of Mayweather will win him this fight. A frustrated Canelo will create openings for Mayweather, giving Mayweather the opportunity to land more effective punches.

Mayweather, w pts 12

Ron Valderrama

Phoenix

Arizona

USA

This is a good fight and could be the fight of the weekend. Two tough fighters, at the top of their game. Matthysse in the past year has had three fights and has won them by knockout. He is not the same fighter he was two years ago, he has perfected his craft and is an exciting fighter to watch now. For Garcia, he’s proven he can fight and beat the best, his deadly right will have to used often if he is going to win. Garcia will also have to make use of his stamina, a busy Matthysse will take it’s toll on rhe body if allowed to penetrate. This fight can go either way, the fighter who is more aggressive will win. I pick that fighter to be Matthysse, it will not be easy, but he will win by decision this night.

Floyd Mayweather continues to dominate the sport. Many feel he is in for his toughest fight yet against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Canelo has emerged as one of the most exciting fighters to watch and will now look to rise among the sport’s elite. Alvarez is an excellent combination puncher when his feet are set. He maintains power throughout his combinations as well as anyone. Mayweather has every possible skill set you could imagine. His ability to use his feet, switch directions, and time the punches of Alvarez will be a major factor. I think he has just about every advantage in this fight and will show them as he out boxes Canelo en route to a unanimous decision. I’m thinking 9 rounds to 3 in his favor.

Mayweather Jr w pts 12

Derek Gionta

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

This fight has all the makings to be a thriller and could possibly steal the show. Danny Garcia has remained unbeaten despite a couple close calls and taking risks against legit opposition. His left hook could end the night early for any opponent. Lucas Matthysse is a savage and only has two losses, both questionable split decisions to say the least. The rugged Argentine displayed his excellent power in his 3rd round destruction of Peterson. That fight shocked many and catapulted him to this position. I think this fight will be a back and forth battle, with maybe each combatant touching the canvas throughout the night. I’ve gone back and forth on this one but am leaning towards Matthysse to pull out a close one on the cards.

I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, no one will beat Mayweather at this time. I will say that he will be extended by the young, strong Canelo. At the first press conference in New York I said to Oscar De La Hoya that his aggressive performance against Floyd was as good as anyone’s. He said to me that the difference will be that Alvarez will use intelligent aggression and will win. No matter, it will be Floyd by decision.

Mayweather pts 12

New York

New York City

USA

Danny Garcia’s dad, Angel, thinks his son can beat everyone. After he is crushed in three by the awesome power of Lucas Matthysse, it will be lesson learned.

I have picked Floyd Mayweather Jr. to beat Saul Alvarez since this fight was first signed. I have never wavered. Alvarez has come along nicely and certainly has improved, but thus far he has failed to "wow" fans when he was on the biggest platforms of his career. His wins over Mosley and Lopez came up short for expectations. While he impressed me with greater diversity in the Trout fight and I felt he won, he was not able to assert himself clearly over a man with less boxing ability than his current opponent. PBF is certainly standing his ground more and that could put him in harm’s way as wasn’t the case against Ortiz or Cotto. A more flatfooted Mayweather is a more vulnerable one. Nevertheless, Floyd wins a split decision in a genuinely close fight.

Mayweather pts 12

Derek Bonnett

Connecticut

USA

Lucas Matthysse can do more than just hit, but, lately, that much hasn’t mattered. I think his aura as much as his ability wins this fight for the Argentine fighter. He is beginning to separate himself greatly from his world class competitors as he failed to do with Judah and Alexander. Garcia has been brought up well, but in a vastly different fashion. I feel Garcia could have success with straight shots as long as he can avoid getting tagged with Matthysse’s early barrage. However, I see him being too tentative early on and that allowing Matthysse to set the tone for the fight.

This is a much harder fight to predict than many in the media are saying. The reason being is that in "Canelo" Alvarez we have a real "X variable" due to the fact that Alvarez has so little big fight experience. In Canelo’s one big test, earlier this year, he passed with flying colors. Still Mayweather has been involved in real tests for almost 15 years. We don’t really know what "Canelo" brings to the table other than being young, and strong. It would not be far fetched if Alvarez crumbled under the pressure in a few rounds, and it would equally not be surprising if Alvarez lived up to the hype by overpowering the smaller Mayweather. Still, we should not predict on variables. While we don’t know how good Alvarez is, we DO KNOW what Mayweather’s skills are. As the best counterpuncher that boxing has seen in decades, Mayweather will likely avoid exchanges with his bigger rival. Being that most of Mayweather’s bouts lately have gone the distance anyway, the smart pick is "Money" on points. However, keep in mind that Alvarez is a real question mark, so you never really know until the fight begins.

Mayweather w pts 12

Alex Caveda

Las Vegas

Nevada

USA

I agree with the general consensus that this will be a real war. Both men will come to fight, both are in their primes, both are very talented, both have similar experience (ironically I think Matthysse as the challenger is slightly more proven), and both have a lot at stake. An impressive win could land the winner on the pound for pound lists. While Garcia is no push-over, I just can’t visualize him winning. There will be epic exchanges early, but after a few rounds Matthysse will win because of his awesome punch, and overall class. I’ll give it 5 rounds.

Matthysse w tko 5

Alex Caveda

Las Vegas

Nevada

USA

‘Money’ has been there, done that and got the t-shirt! This will be another ‘Money’ showcase, great defense, out-smarting, out-thinking and getting the decision after 12 interesting rounds of boxing. The fact that ‘Money’ fought recently is a problem for Alvarez, he will be in his element, on his game. Alvarez will have early success, but ultimately he won’t match ‘Money’s’ boxing skills.

Mayweather w pts 12

Lwazi Ndzobongo

South Africa

I am going with Matthysse here, but I feel it could go either way. I think Matthysse is a bigger puncher and that will be the deciding factor in this one. I cant see Garcia out boxing Matthysse, actually I dont expect much textbook boxing here, it will be a war!

It’s not just boastful self promotion or pointless facts and figures this time. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. indeed has a valid point or two. Once their respective resumes are examined, "The One" looks more like "Just One". The level of competition and with most of the emphasis stressed upon championship fights and rounds is an ominous nod towards Floyd. The fight itself will appear competitive early and much so because the illusion created by Mayweather being tagged a few times in the ring can lead many to such a view. Unless Saul "Canelo" Alvarez can land the lucky "kitchen sink" variety of a punch, then I do not expect this bout to resemble a barn burner by any stretch. We’ll be seeing a "Money" Mayweather who likely took no time off from the gym and he’ll display his quickness, agility and unequaled ring savvy. As Floyd mentioned previously, he’s no Austin Trout and Canelo can’t expect Floyd to dictate the pace that way in order for him to counter. It won’t happen. The most action should come in the early rounds, but as time goes on, the tide swill resoundingly shift to Floyd carefully picking his shots and making Canelo miss. In the later rounds, Alvarez may even be swinging wide. Although I would not completely rule out a late stoppage, at the same time it would not be a complete shock. Mayweather is just too good and too smart. His time is still now.

Mayweather Pts 12

Marc Livitz

Austin

Texas

USA

The evening’s co-main event could possibly upstage the big one. The light welterweight clash between Danny Garcia and Lucas Matthysse has all the elements of a potential classic. There is quite the gap in the division after these two fighters are mentioned. The outcome all depends on their respective approach. We’ve seen Matthysse defeated (perhaps robbed) by the two fighters who stood up to his onslaught and kept him at arm’s length. Garcia needs to find the appropriate range and use his jab to near perfection. He’ll look to set up his effective left hook this way. This is his best chance to get a decision win. He’ll need to keep the activity levels up. Lucas, on the other hand will possibly have to work hard to score with his power connects and not walk right into Danny’s shots. He will likely come forward throughout much of the contest and this could work to Garcia’s advantage. Lucas’s best hopes lie in the possibility that his foe gets too brave and maybe takes his father’s lead. If he risks too much then he’ll pay for it. It’s not so difficult to foresee a knockout. A prediction.......I don’t know.

I have been going back and forth on the Mayweather vs Alvarez fight for a while and keep coming back to the conclusion that has held true in many of Mayweather’s fights I’ve watched. If he can get hit, and solidly, and consistently, he can lose. The problem is will HE. Fast, nimble, and extrememly evasive as well as being dealy accuratehas kept him undefeated for a very long time now. That said, I think Alvarez poses the biggest and most legitimate threat of defeat he has faced in a while. Big, strong, and carrying hands of crushing power. I also think Alvarez knows this. I don’t think he will fear his opponent at all, which may be his downfall. He will do well in this fight, but he, like many before him will chase Mayweather around the ring, and looking for a KO, missing a lot, and getting peppered in the process. If however he does catch Mayweather, it will be a single shot that does it.

Mayweather pts 12

Sean Wippert

Las Vegas

Nevada

USA

- There are few that I have seen with hands as hard, fast, and accurate as those possessed by Lucas Matthyssee. He will probably win by midway to eight round in the same fashion he has done in his last 6 fights. It won’t be easy, but it will be his fight.

Alvarez is young and dangerous, but Floyd is just too smart and too good. He’s a special fighter.

Mayweather w pts 12

Wayne Bartlett

San Antonio

Texas

USA

This one looks like fireworks. Matthysse is the big, bad bull that looks set to trample everything in it’s path, but I see Garcia as a matador with a left hook in place of a cape. Matthysse looked scary demolishing Lamont Peterson last time out, but Peterson didn’t exactly help himself did he. It’ll be bumpy, but Garcia won’t make the same mistake.

I view Canelo Alvarez giving Floyd Mayweather about as much trouble as Miguel Cotto gave him -- meaning, unlike most of Mayweather’s opponents, he has a good chance at winning. Cotto fought Mayweather very close, and lost some steam the last two rounds which were the difference in the fight for me. Alvarez is younger than Cotto, less battle-worn, and I’d even say at this point stronger. He likely won’t surprise us with much movement, that’s Mayweather’s forte, but he is very adept at hunting down his opponent, and once he gets there placing his punches and wearing them down. For his part, Mayweather is not getting any younger, but he takes good care of his body and is already the most talented boxer in the sport. He will need to be at his sharpest, especially when Alvarez has him against the ropes, and will need to implement a heavy dose of jab to disrupt Alvarez’s momentum. While Alvarez is the top contender, I just don’t think he will prove versatile enough to defeat Mayweather.

Mayweather w pts 12

José Santana

Cleveland, OH

USA

Danny Garcia is going to be taken to deep waters in this fight. He will have to find a way to dig deep to pull out this victory. He’s not defensive-minded enough to avoid a power shot from Matthysse for 12 rounds, unless he himself can take Matthysse out early. Thirty-two knockouts in 36 fights in impressive for Matthysse, but despite the power edge, I think that Garcia will be able to win enough rounds, survive a couple of dramatic moments, and pull out a close victory.

Garcia w pts 12

José Santana

Cleveland, OH

USA

The action will be solid early with Canelo pressing the issue and being effective, but after two, maybe three rounds, Mayweather will have already figured Canelo out. By the midway point of the fourth round, Mayweather will be in total command of the action and will slowly pick his opponent apart limb from limb. Floyd will rock Canelo with a perfect counter right hand in the ninth round, but he won’t be in position to take Canelo out. Instead, Floyd will be mesmerizing with his defense and precision counter punching, which will allow him to win a landslide unanimous decision. The official scores will be an appropriate 118-110, an understandable 117-111 but an absurd 115-113. Floyd Mayweather wins by unanimous decision. Bank on it.

Mayweather w pts 12

Mike Sloan

Las Vegas

Nevada

USA

Garcia won’t start as slowly as he has in the past and will instead gun for his foe immediately. Matthysse will oblige, which will create one hell of a back-and-forth brawl in the early rounds. Garcia will be more effective and will actually score a quasi-flash knockdown in the second round. Garcia will think he’s hurt much worse than he really is and will pay the price by eating a vicious right hand late in the same frame, forever altering the fight. Garcia will still be a little shaky in the third and will be floored by another right hand. “Swift” will climb back to his feet but he’ll be way too brave for his own good and refuse to clinch or back away. Instead, he’ll opt to go to war with Matthysse and that’ll be his downfall. Matthysse will end the fight with a ferocious flurry, prompting referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight midway through the third.

Matthysse w pts 12

Mike Sloan

Las Vegas

Nevada

USA

Mayweather Jr =13

Alvarez = 1

Garcia = 2

Matthysse = 13

September 14, 2013

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